AAD launches Darker Skin Tones resource center

Dermatologists know that a “one-size-fits-all” approach is not an effective way to treat conditions affecting skin, hair, and nails. In particular, some skin diseases present differently or more frequently in people with darker skin tones, which could also require different treatment regimens.

The American Academy of Dermatology launched the Darker Skin Tones resource center in January 2022. This resource center provides a convenient and centralized place for the public to find information about dermatologic diseases and how they affect people with darker skin tones.

We’re continuing to update existing public content and make it more welcoming to people with darker skin tones. In the months since launch, we’ve edited content about melasma, hidradenitis suppurativa, light and dark spots (hypo- and hyperpigmentation), and razor bumps in the beard area.

These efforts are paying off. As of May 26, AAD.org holds the #1 spot in Google for searches related to melasma, dark spots, and hidradenitis suppurativa. This boost in ranking means that more people will see the message about the importance of seeing a board-certified dermatologist for these conditions.

We’ve also added new content about central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), and plan to add content about acne keloidalis nuchae, ashy skin, dermatosis papulosa nigra, dissecting cellulitis, and traction alopecia. We will also update information about 11 more diseases, including vitiligo and cutaneous lupus, and post three new videos on topics of interest to people with darker skin tones. More broadly, we are working to make our public education content inclusive of patients with all skin tones.